Scholarforum 3 Cover Topic: Public Health the Journal of the Open Society 12 Regional Focus: Southeast Asia Scholarship Programs 17 Alumni Updates

Number 16 . Winter 2013/14

SThe Journalch ofo thel Oapen SocierForty Scholarshipu Programms Public Health

Regional Focus: Southeast Asia

Essays and creative works by Open Society Scholarship Programs’ grantees and alumni Contents ScholarForum 3 cover Topic: Public Health The Journal of the Open Society 12 regional Focus: Southeast Asia Scholarship Programs 17 alumni Updates . 23 contribute to the Next Edition Winter 2013/14 Number 16 Editorial Committee: Zoë BROGDEN, Barbara DENTE, Joseph GLICKSBERG, Ankita SURI, Zarina USMANOVA, Dear Readers, Thomas WILSON Designer: Samuel Buggeln Over the past few years, Southeast Asia has been in transition. In Cambodia, the oppo- ScholarForum is published by the Open sition party was able to make their strongest electoral gains to date against the deeply entrenched Society Scholarship Programs, an ruling party. When mass irregularities were exposed in those election results, citizens and civil operational program of the Open Society society took to the streets in protest and showed the commitment to fair elections that may one Foundations. ScholarForum is distributed day lead to a more robust democracy. In Burma, reforms continue in many sectors of governance to current and former scholarship that give reason for optimism, but the previous power structure, continued ethnic and religious recipients, host institutions, educational discord, and an economic elite who benefit from slowing the pace of transition threaten to advising centers, and educational derail not only future progress, but reverse the substantial gains made since 2011. Faced with the professionals. uncertain future of an eventual transition in the monarchy, Thailand has again seen tense street protests as electoral factions compete for exclusive control of the reins of power. In Laos, local activists continue to work toward increased social justice, but do so in a dampened environment OPEN SOCIETY following the disappearance of a prominent civil society leader. FOUNDATIONS As the essays on the following pages show, our grantees illustrate that the changes sweeping Southeast Asia pertain to a range of human rights issues. This edition of ScholarForum focuss- Chairman: George SOROS es heavily on public health issues, a key pillar of the work of the Open Society Foundations. President: Christopher STONE Our alumni also have significant thoughts in this area, highlighting issues of access to health care in Burma and restrictions on access to legal abortions in Croatia. An Ukrainian alumna www.opensocietyfoundations.org speaks persuasively in favor of using a feminist framework to analyze discussions of female genital cutting, while a Burmese grantee explores the mixed knowledge Bangladeshi garment workers have about tuberculosis. OPEN SOCIETY Our alumni are numerous. To give you a flavor of their activities, the last few pages of this SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS edition summarize their research interests and professions. Where email addresses are provided, Director: Martha LOERKE we encourage you to build contacts and networks in the fields and regions of relevance to you. We hope you enjoy this issue’s focus on the critical and quintessentially human issue of NEW YORK OFFICE public health and the fascinating diversity of changes to be found in Burma and Southeast Asia. Your comments are always welcome to the Editor (scholarforum@opensocietyfounda- Deputy Director: Phillip WATKINS tions.org), as are requests for full references for citations. Open Society Foundations–New York Happy reading, 224 West 57th Street New York, NY 10019 USA Open Society Scholarship Programs Tel: +1-212-548-0600 Fax: +1-212-548-4679

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The Open Society Scholarship Programs fund the outstanding students from a range of backgrounds Deputy Director: Dr. Audrone Uzieliene participation of students, scholars, and professionals to pursue their studies in alternative academic and Open Society Foundations–London from Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, cultural environments. Mongolia, the Middle East, South Asia and South The Open Society Foundations work to 7th Floor Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank East Asia in rigorous, competitive academic build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose London, SW1P 4QP programs outside of their home countries. The goals governments are accountable to their citizens. of these programs are: to revitalize and reform the Working with local communities in more than 100 Tel: +44-207-031-0200 teaching of the social sciences and humanities at countries, the Open Society Foundations support Fax: +44-207-031-0201 higher education institutions; to provide professional justice and human rights, freedom of expression, training in fields unavailable or underrepresented and access to public health and education. www.opensocietyfoundations.org/about/ at institutions in the countries served; and to assist www.opensocietyfoundations.org programs/scholarship-programs cover topic Public Health

Public Health: Progression vs. Regression Marine BUISSONNIERE, Director, and Jonathan COHEN, Deputy Director, Open Society Public Health Program Health has thrived as a global issue in the past decade, with the HIV pandemic catalyzing a period of unprecedented international financial assistance. The period has also been marked by growing attention to the imperative to assist those most vulnerable, including people in need of HIV treatment and palliative care, and criminal- ized populations such as sex workers, people who use drugs, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. The last 10 years have given civil society actors significant success in leveraging international frameworks and institutions to persuade “After 10 years of global solidarity in the global health agencies such as UNAIDS and field of health and human rights, the the World Health Organization (WHO) to enshrine human rights in their strategies, international community is retrenching” and to influence major donors such as the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis tions of the human rights of women and girls tion away from middle-income countries, and Malaria (GFATM) to advance and fund in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. bilateral donors such as Germany, Ireland, a progressive health and rights agenda. This era of steady progress, however, is and the Netherlands are slashing develop- These international gains have also ending. After 10 years of global solidarity in ment budgets for health and rights, and brought national or regional advances. The the field of health and human rights, the European Funds sources of funding are fail- last decade saw the expansion of harm reduc- international community is retrenching. A cover: A young girl standing at the mobile tion programs for people who use drugs in combination of austerity policies, resurgent clinic in an IDP area, Karen State, Burma above: An injured boy receives medical treatment Eastern Europe, advances in the rights of sex ideologies, competition between sectors, in a makeshift shelter in an area for internally workers and people who use drugs in Asia, and changing priorities has produced a displaced persons, Karen State, Burma and new forms of accountability for viola- severe crisis. The GFATM is shifting atten- photos Saw MORT

ScholarForum 3 ing to fill the gap while continuing to support archaic institutions The push for low- and middle-income countries to share for people with disabilities. responsibility for public health is welcome and in some cases Russia is a dramatic example of a country that has “graduated” overdue. However, the risk is that it often means consigning those to middle-income status. It is no longer a donor priority, despite already at the margins of society to governments uncommitted to their protection. In many countries, defunding of essential health services has been accompanied by scapegoating of socially excluded “We are witnessing defunding groups, violations of health-related rights, unresponsive justice sys- and scapegoating in places tems, and restriction of space to organize and advocate. At the Open Society Foundations, we are witnessing the defund- we thought would never ing and scapegoating in places where we had stopped working and in places that we thought would never need our attention. In Greece, need our attention” Romania, and Russia, essential services have been defunded, particularly for people who use drugs, with accompanying spikes in being home to severe health-related human rights violations; and HIV infection. In Macedonia, Uganda, and Ukraine, we are seeing many people who constitute the world’s “new bottom billion” as reversals on rights in the form of increased scapegoating of mar- defined in Andy Sumner’s 2010 work which claims the world’s ginalized groups (e.g., sex workers, people who use drugs, Roma), poor are prevalent outside of the poorest nations. While the HIV backlash against sexual and reproductive rights, or the introduction epidemic is growing faster in Russia than anywhere else in the world of potentially dangerous legislation. In China and Russia, space for and remains concentrated among people who inject drugs, interna- civil society to organize, inform, and advocate is quickly narrowing. tional funding is about to dry up altogether. And since the majority In short, the world is facing a crisis of open society values in of money for health and rights of the marginalized has traditionally health that challenges us to consolidate the gains of the past come from international donors, marginalized groups are the ones decade while confronting new realities at the intersection of who feel this donor retrenchment most acutely. austerity and social exclusion.

Health: the Face of Human Rights Doi RA, Burma providing expectant mothers with vitamin Myanmar Masters of Health Program 2010 B1 can help avert a significant number of child deaths. Yet the use of these simple, Human rights in Burma have been in remote areas still have no better option effective solutions still needs to be rap- neglected for so long that many Burmese than to rely on traditional birth attendants idly expanded. The new government has are unaware of the protections they offer. to help deliver their babies. They are unable promised to increase the allocation of its For decades, human rights have been an to afford the means to reach skilled birth budget for the health sector significantly in untouchable issue, with activists committed attendants and health facilities located far response to previous budgets that only allo- to asserting them at risk of imprisonment away. Due to this, the maternal mortality cated 1 percent of total government and/or torture. As many people do not rate in Myanmar has remained stubbornly expenditure for health know what their rights are in relation to high. As of 2010, the maternal mortality (WHO, 2012). their health, the poor and the vulnerable rate was 200 maternal deaths per 100,000 gratefully receive any community health ser- live births. Major work still needs to be vices provided. People from rural areas, for done to close the gap between this figure example, are overwhelmingly happy if their and the Millennium Development Goal village has been appointed with a midwife (MDG) target of a 75 percent reduction by or a health care worker. The Burmese, it 2015 (WHO, 2012). seems, are accustomed to making the best Children under five continue to die use of what is provided to them, and some from preventable causes such as sepsis, have long forgotten that they are entitled to beriberi, and acute respiratory infection. basic health provisions. Health care as simple as cutting babies’ Working for a community-based health umbilical cords with a clean knife, applying project in the Irrawaddy delta region, I expe- low-cost antiseptic such as chlorhexidine, or rienced the impact of Myanmar’s chroni- cally frail health system, especially on moth- Rainbow over Inlay Lake, Shan State, Burma ers and children. The majority of women photo Matthew WILSON As a result, the supply of essential medicines, materials, and to safe water, sufficient education, adequate food and nutrition, and basic health staff has fallen short of meeting even the basic needs open information. Many village health centers or households in the of communities. For example, I have witnessed village health cen- Irrawaddy delta region still lack access to clean water. This poses a ters that have gone for months without basic supplies such as oral major problem during the dry season. Furthermore, the government recently announced that primary education will be provided for free, which means that parents no longer need to pay for school materi- “Moderate malnutrition als, enrollment fees or other charges. However, other barriers such as has almost become a distance from schools, inadequate roadways, the use of child labor, and continuing gender inequity must be addressed so that every child common cause of death can receive education. Improved educational status of the people will imply heightened health literacy and allow people to make better, in rural Burmese villages” informed choices. Reflecting upon a statement by former United Nations rehydration solution, which is a simple medication used to treat Population Fund Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid, the basic children suffering from diarrhea. To combat these shortages, the principles of human rights have been denied the Burmese people for government needs to make sure its increased allocation for health is far too long. As Myanmar is rapidly undergoing a reform process and distributed equitably across all the states and regions so that health opening doors to various stakeholders with different interests, each care services and workers are not only concentrated in urban areas. Evidence confirms that the period from conception through the first two years of life is a window of opportunity during which we must “Village health centers address maternal and child nutrition, as these factors can have a last- have gone for months ing, irreversible impact on a child’s overall growth and development (Dewey, 2006). How many countless opportunities have we missed without basic supplies” for our children and for ourselves as well? Moderate malnutrition has almost become a common cause of death in rural Burmese villages. one of us must internalize the human rights principles that protect More than half of Burmese children under the age of five are mod- us. These rights “must be absorbed and expressed in their own ways erately or severely stunted for their age (Myanmar Multiple Indicator and within the positive aspects of their cultural values and beliefs” Cluster Survey, Ministries of National Planning and Economic (UNFPA, 2005). It is also crucial that the political and social environ- Development and Health: 2009-2010). Stunted growth is associated ments within a country provide an unfailing support system for those with poor socioeconomic conditions and frequent and early exposure who assert their rights. But the first step still remains: we need to to adverse conditions. This evidence highlights how much the new tirelessly inform each other about our inherent rights. government will need to address neglected rights to security in relation to nutrition, economic, and social issues. Health is connected to different interrelating areas of a person’s life. As a result, for a person to be healthy, he or she should enjoy all the human rights prescribed by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Burmese government must respect, protect, Female Genital Cutting: and fulfill every right of its citizens, including the A Transnational Feminist Perspective rights Alla CHERNENKO, Ukraine Undergraduate Exchange Program, 2010

Contemporary health processes are heavily influenced by globalization, which can be defined as a series of cultural, economic, and political processes that result in the emergence of transnational structures in different areas of human life. The effects of globalization are not uniform: for instance, it has made certain health- related issues salient for many people in different parts of the world, while other issues remain relevant to specific geographic areas. One such issue is female genital cutting (FGC), which, while remaining local, has become resonant in the global context of women’s health and reproductive rights. Various forms of genital modifications performed on women, as well as on men, have been used for more than 2000 years in

ScholarForum 5 certain parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. While certain global dialogues and trigger meaningful social change. procedures, such as male circumcision, are now viewed as cul- Global feminism is a framework for establishing global solidar- turally acceptable medical or hygienic procedures within many ity between women. While acknowledging the presence of inter- Western cultures, others, including FGC, are considered violent locking oppressions defined by race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual and barbaric rituals. FGC is viewed not only as being dangerous identity, age, etc., it emphasizes the geography of oppression: the for women’s health due to the often unsanitary conditions in fact that women in different parts of the world experience oppres- which the procedure is conducted, but also as denying women full sions differently. Global feminism is deeply critical of traditional sexual experiences and thus serving as a practical means of control over their sexuality and sexual behaviors. According to the World Health Organization, FGC is recognized as a violation of the rights “The perfunctory acceptance of women to health, security, and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel or degrading treatment, and, in the of the Western perspective on most extreme cases, the right to life (WHO, 2012). The four types of FGC, as defined by the WHO, include clito- an essentially non-Western ridectomy, excision of the clitoris and inner labia, removal of most issue is inherently problematic” of the external genitalia and various forms of stitching performed on the labia (WHO, 2012). I must admit that a mere description of the procedures awakens explicitly negative emotional reactions Western theorizing and the idea of unified womanhood. Instead, in me as a person who grew up in a Westernized setting and inter- it urges us to acknowledge and embrace differences, while work- nalized the idea of sanctity of human bodily integrity. However, as ing toward building a new kind of solidarity. Finally, it calls upon a feminist whose identity has been shaped through transnational Westerners to abolish notions of “non-Western others” simply as experiences, I see the perfunctory acceptance of the hegemonic victims of patriarchal oppression and to recognize their subjectivity Western perspective on an essentially non-Western issue as inher- and thus support their potential for social action. ently problematic. While FGC mostly affects non-Western women, Adopting a transnational feminist perspective, we are faced their voices are rarely included in global discussions on the issue. I with the necessity of redefining and reevaluating traditional concepts of reproductive rights and human rights in general in order to successfully frame and address the issue of FGC. Indeed, the “The women themselves know notion of universal human rights originated within Western discourse and does not necessarily translate into other cultural lan- their choices, their communities, guages. Feminist theorists Sonia Correa and Rosalind Petchesky (2010) argue that while the concept of human rights is essentially and their cultures much Western, its main premises, namely, bodily integrity, personhood, better than we do, and we equality, diversity and self-determination, transcend cultural borders. To apply these premises within our global feminist frame- should listen to them instead of work we need to reconceptualize human rights as communal, social entitlements, for it is social conditions that allow individu- adopting a savior paradigm” als to enact their personal choices. In other words, an individual should have a choice to exercise her rights or to sacrifice them, if believe that the women affected by FGC, and the women brought she so desires, and the existence of a variety of choices depends up to see it as a part of their cultural heritage, must not only be on her community. included, but should play the leading part in the construction of What does a transnational feminist perspective on human rights the global discourse on female genital cutting. mean in practical terms in the context of FGC? What should Including the voices of non-Western women within the Western feminists do, if anything at all? My answer is that we should Westernized discourses of health and human rights is a challenging act to help ensure that women across the globe are provided with project, since these voices do not necessarily represent a unified per- choices and that their communities support these choices. We should spective. This leads us to question not only our assumptions about remember, however, that the women themselves know their choices, the issue itself, but also our perceptions of the “non-Western others.” their communities, and their cultures much better than we do, and Some women embrace FGC, arguing that their own experiences of that we should listen to these women instead of adopting a savior FGC were not mutilating, but empowering. Others, however, risk paradigm by trying to bring social change as we see fit. Instead, we, their lives to escape the practice. Adopting a global postcolonial femi- who often have more resources than women outside the West, need nist framework, which grows from and expands beyond multicultural to direct those resources to support the grassroots actions of our sis- feminisms, allows us to deal with the necessity of redefining our main ters globally and locally, thus enabling them to fulfill their activist premises and refining our perspectives in order to create inclusive potential in the struggle against global oppressions. Abortion Restrictions and Stigmatization

Driving the Grey Economy in Croatia quented in urban settings. In comparison Izidora SKRACIC, Croatia to eight other socialist Eastern European Undergraduate Exchange Program, 2005 states prior to the fall of communism, Yugoslavia was the only one found to not The past few decades have been tumul- rights climate over the last 30 years will be have an explicitly pro-natalist official policy tuous ones for Croatia. After almost 50 years the focus of this essay. (David, 1982). of belonging to the socialist federation of Despite its communist foundation, As war broke out and Croatia fought Yugoslavia, Croatia became independent, Yugoslavia’s open borders led to free com- for its independence, the 1990s were marked fought a war, and was governed by its main munication with the rest of Europe, allow- by extreme nationalist sentiments. Women, right-wing party as it transitioned to capital- ing for feminist ideas to trickle into Croatian as the holders of reproductive potential, ism and modern democracy. These radical society. However, during this time, abortion were burdened with the responsibility of changes influenced every aspect of Croatian was considered more of a public health issue the nation’s cultural and biological con- life. Likewise, the impact on reproductive than a women’s rights issue. The procedure tinuation in the context of the war and newly health and rights has been no less dramatic. was first legalized under specific conditions acquired independence: fallen soldiers had As the most polarizing and pronounced, and in the 1950s as a result of increased mater- to be replaced by new sons while the state therefore, perhaps the most representative nal morbidity and mortality due to illegal needed as many Croats as it could find in reproductive health issue of our time, access abortions (see Population Policy Data Bank, order to justify its existence as a nation-state. to abortion in Croatia and the changes 2002). Through the 1970s it went through a Additionally, the region’s traditional links that have occurred process of liberalization, concluding in 1978 between nationality and religion were used as in the country’s with its “on demand” policy, where women war propaganda, driving home the repro- won the right to choose an abortion until notion that being Catholic ductive the tenth week after conception (Perincic, was a prerequisite 1990). This new policy was accompanied to being by access to contraception and the estab- lishment of family planning counseling centers, which were widely available and well-fre-

A hospital in Split, one of the 32 medical facilities in Croatia where a woman may legally obtain an abortion photo Izidora SKRACIC

ScholarForum 7 Croat. This granted even more power to the reemerging Roman tions in hospitals. Therefore, all abortions taking place elsewhere Catholic Church in Croatia. Subsequently, aided by the comple- are illegal; they contribute to the grey economy and put women mentary effect of the rise of nationalism and the Catholic Church, in a position where they cannot enforce or redress their rights. there was a sharp shift toward pro-natalist policies, as demonstrated Additionally, the proliferation of unrecorded abortions leads to in the following examples. First, the new Croatian Constitution of inaccurate statistics, and thus any proactive measures meant to 1990 deleted the explicit provision from 1974 giving citizens the right decrease abortion rates based on such erroneous statistics would most likely be ineffective. For a medical procedure that has been legal “Stigmatization, primarily fueled by since 1978, exercising one’s right to abortion on demand can be tricky in Croatia today. Despite the Catholic Church, remains a key advances in technology and a more democratic perspective on human rights, abortion in Croatia con- deterrent to abortion in Croatia today” tinues to be regulated by a 1978 law, in conjunction with a 1996 government resolution restricting the to free decision-making concerning childbearing (Hrabar, 1998). procedure to a smaller number of authorized health institutions Second, a strong anti-abortion movement emerged, supported by with a gynecological-obstetric unit, i.e. hospitals. Stigmatization, right-wing politicians and the Catholic Church. Although the 1978 primarily fueled by the Catholic Church, remains a key deterrent abortion law was successfully defended by the organized activism of to abortion, leading many women to travel much farther than women’s worker unions in 1991 (Dedic, 2007), a famous quotation their closest hospital to obtain the procedure. Furthermore, best exemplifies the new sentiments that were driving abortion rights women from rural areas are disadvantaged, not only due to challenges: “A fetus is also Croat” (Goldstein, 2005). In line with this, their remote place of residence, but also due to the more large numbers of gynecologists suddenly refused to perform abor- conservative environment of many smaller communities. tions on grounds of conscience. In 1995, government attempts to The development of abortion access in Croatia since its legal- restrict access to abortion by legally mandating pre-abortion counsel- ization until today indicates a ing were again thwarted by women’s organizations and public outcry clear conservative tendency in (studies from the 1990s consistently showed over 70 percent of the terms of reproductive rights. population to be pro-choice). Although the dominant national- In practice, the government’s implementation of its own ist trend of the 1990s has since program might be characterized as passive-aggressive. It eliminated receded and childbearing is no all subsidies for abortion and for all but one form of contracep- longer considered every Croatian tion (oral). Consequently, there was a deterioration of abortion woman’s ultimate patriotic duty, care services, leading to a sharp decline in abortion rates, as well the past 20 years have seen radi- as an alarming increase in abortions resulting from pregnancy cal changes in Croatia’s power complications such as ectopic pregnancies. Although this sudden structures. With the rise of right- shift was most pronounced in the 1990s, the trend remained pres- wing politics, the Catholic ent in the 2000s and continues today. Furthermore, the ratios Church has established itself as between abortion on demand and abortion due to complications an important player whose opin- vary significantly by hospital (see the Croatian Institute for Public ion is always publicized and Health, 2010). Although there is no official explanation for this, always seems to matter. While three main reasons may be extrapolated: (1) women travel to other there has recently been no seri- (larger) cities to have an abortion on demand (as evidenced by ous attempt to criminalize abor- statistical records); (2) some abortions on demand are purpose- tion, it is a threat frequently fully misreported as abortions due to complications (to avoid revived by the Catholic Church, stigmatization); and (3) some abortions are performed but simply perhaps in an effort to remain not recorded (Obad, 2006). relevant in a democratic, post- In 2005, undercover research found that over 30 percent of war, pro-European Croatia. hospitals do not perform abortions in practice (legally). Basically, gynecologists invoke conscientious objection during their hospital shifts, but after work they perform abortions privately—without recording the procedure or the illegal premium fee charged. This has led to hospital shortages of available doctors for abortions, which in turn, has led more women to opt for unrecorded abortions rather than be turned away at public hospitals. The problem A Karen community health worker administers a blood test is that in Croatia doctors are only authorized to perform abor- photo Saw MORT ABSTRACT were garment workers age eighteen years or older whose TB status Tuberculosis (TB) Prevention and was unknown to the researcher or to both the researcher and the individual worker. Data on knowledge of, attitudes about and prac- Care among Garment Workers tices regarding TB prevention and care among garment workers was in Badda, Dhaka: Exploring collected. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was done on data using various statistical methods. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices The findings of the study show that the majority of respondents (60.8 percent) obtained TB information from media sources, Dr. Hnin Yee Mon Kyaw (M.B, B.S) (MPH) such as television, radio, newspaper, and posters. Ninety-eight Supplementary Grant Program Asia 2012 percent identified the most significant symptom of TB (prolonged cough lasting over three weeks) and answered correctly when asked This study aims to explore knowledge of, attitudes about, and whether or not TB is curable. However, only 51.7 percent knew practices toward tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care among that TB was contagious. Thirty-five percent of respondents had suf- garment workers in Badda, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A cross-sectional ficient knowledge of TB prevention and care. Sufficient knowledge descriptive study using quantitative methods was conducted in gar- was defined as the correct identification of at least three common ment factories currently collaborating with the TB program of the symptoms of TB (for example, cough persisting over three weeks, international non-profit development organization, the Bangladeshi blood in the sputum) and/or facts about it such as airborne trans- Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC). One hundred and twenty mission, the usual course of treatment is specific anti-TB drugs, and garment workers were interviewed using a semi-structured ques- cough hygiene (Gilpin et al,2011; Center for Disease Control and tionnaire. The participants were chosen by systematic random Prevention, 2012). About one-third of the respondents reported sampling from four garment factories in Badda. All participants that they would not agree to work alongside colleagues suffering from TB. A lack of money was men- tioned as the most common possible reason for treatment delay (86.7 percent). Time constraint was a major barrier affecting attendance at workplace health education sessions (77.5 percent). Fifty-nine percent reported that garment workers with TB might encounter financial problems due to losing their jobs or taking leave without pay. Almost 22 percent reported that they would choose informal health care as their first point of care if they suspected they had TB, even though a BRAC-run TB control program was running in their factories. According to these results, the majority of garment workers did not have sufficient knowledge of TB prevention and care. It is likely that this insufficient knowledge may lead workers to delay their treatment, which could result in higher degrees of infection and social stigmatization. Therefore, strengthening health education and communication activities in workplaces is needed to raise knowledge levels, increase treatment effectiveness, and remove social stigmatization among garment workers.

This abstract is a summary of the author’s MPH thesis

ScholarForum 9 Alumni Profile

Marginalized Youth and Drug Use: C among people who inject drugs. Hepatitis Reducing Harm through the Model of C is also an opportunistic infection in many patients with HIV/AIDS and is the Inclusive Services in Kyrgyzstan second cause of death after tuberculosis Zulaika ESENTAEVA, Kyrgyzstan (TB). While the necessity to integrate HIV Doctoral Fellows Program, 2012, OSF-CNOUS Program, 2007 and TB services is apparent, particularly in prisons, the country is still struggling with this process. A young woman—serious, compassion- ber of people currently living with HIV in Despite Kyrgyzstan’s attempt to inte- ate, uninhibited—talks to a group of young Kyrgyzstan exceeds 12,000, and according to grate HIV services into existing health people in a nondescript neighborhood international experts, the number of people structures, many clients from affected popu- of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Nothing unusual who use drugs in the country exceeds 9,000 lations, such as people who use drugs, gay about that, you may think, until you learn (UNODC). For a country with just 5.5 mil- men, and sex workers, prefer to receive that these young people live on the margins lion people, this is a large percentage. Indeed, services from non-governmental organiza- of society as drug users. How to best address in some places, as many as 14 percent of tions rather than family medical centers. the health needs of these communities people who inject drugs are HIV positive. Physicians at government-run health facili- in her home town has become a career- Injecting drug use remains the main driver ties may be less informed and motivated defining passion for Zulaika Esentaeva, a of the HIV epidemic, but HIV transmission than social or outreach workers at NGOs. current Open Society Doctoral Fellow and via unsafe sex has also grown alarmingly from Compounding this, Kyrgyzstan faces a brain OSF-CNOUS Program alum. Currently three percent in 2009 to 29 percent in 2012 drain of highly qualified physicians, includ- pursuing a doctorate in public health at (see http://harmreduction.kg). ing specialists in infectious diseases and Hunter College, City University of New Due to large donor investments, a addiction, many of whom migrate to Russia York, Zulaika developed a deep interest comparatively more vibrant and stronger and Kazakhstan in search of higher salaries. in these communities when researching civil society movement, and a favorable legal Another structural barrier is the ongo- women entrepreneurs in Bishkek for her framework, Kyrgyzstan has adopted rela- ing violence of some law enforcement bod- bachelor's thesis. “I would go to bazaars tively successful internationally-recognized ies, behavior that hinders access to services. to interview women, who would often tell evidence-based intervention models as part OSF has been working since 2006, together me about their hardships,” Zulaika said. of its response to these growing epidemics. with the Ministry of Interior Affairs and “Later, when I was working as an intern These models include needle exchange pro- their academy, to develop good practices, at an association supporting people with grams, methadone maintenance treatment, namely a course on harm reduction for the mental health problems during my master’s antiretroviral therapy, and the prevention of Academy’s cadets. degree studies in France, I started realizing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS how important it is to develop a holistic during childbirth. SF: Can you elaborate on your thoughts approach to treatment.” of the HIV/AIDS population in ScholarForum sought out Zulaika for SF: What are Kyrgyzstan’s major Kyrgyzstan and what is being done to this edition so she could share her views on shortcomings in the public health aid them? public health provisions in Kyrgyzstan and provisions for HIV/AIDS populations their effect on young people who use drugs, and intravenous drug users? ZE: The HIV epidemic has the face of a in particular. young person: 59 percent of those with HIV ZE: Well, statistics show there is are aged 20-39, and according to a UNODC ScholarForum (SF): Zulaika, can you tell definitely room for improvement. As an survey, the mean age of drug use initiation us your opinion as to what the major example, 10 percent of all HIV cases are in Kyrgyzstan is 17.5 years. However, little is public health issues are in Kyrgyzstan discovered at the final stages, a stage at done to make HIV services youth friendly. today? which the virus is often untreatable. A sig- While working at the Soros Foundation- nificant percentage of those with AIDS are Kyrgyzstan for the Public Health Program, Zulaika Esentaeva (ZE): Since already dead, while the remainder struggle I was dismayed to see harm reduction was 1996, when Kyrgyzstan lost its status as to receive proper palliative care. These failing to address the needs of young people the world’s last HIV-free country, as identi- figures speak both to inefficient voluntary significantly affected by HIV. There is scant fied by the World Health Organization, counseling and testing and the untimely research about the needs of young people we have witnessed a rapid increase in HIV delivery of antiretroviral therapy. who use drugs and the kind of drugs they cases. According to UNAIDS, the num- There is a high prevalence of hepatitis are using today. There is only one civil society organiza- services into general health clinics to make health services for people who use drugs tion that specifically targets young people those services accessible to both the general are not integrated into mainstream health who use drugs, although inevitably, all public and health professionals. options, a peculiarity which prevents a “one NGOs have some young people among stop” holistic service. their client base. Those aged 14-18 rarely SF: Can you tell us more about the Compared to Russia, though, access harm reduction services offered by characteristics of health care services Kyrgyzstan was able to address some of NGOs, let alone from the state structures. for drug users? these challenges by preserving elements of Fear of parents and relatives finding out, the previous system. In 2009, Kyrgyzstan’s and the resultant social stigma are key deter- ZE: Besides the problematic access to Ministry of Interior Affairs adopted a quite rents, but outreach teams do not effectively general health services, people who use progressive internal policy, which instructs penetrate areas where young people who drugs in Kyrgyzstan also experience a num- police officers not to intervene with harm use drugs congregate. There is a clear need ber of drawbacks due to the specialized reduction programs and even mandated for youth-focused materials and general substance abuse services that were inher- they serve as liaisons between clients and education within this population about the ited from the Soviet Union. For example, harm reduction or HIV-prevention sites. services on offer and the options they have. communist social policy placed a greater Beletsky et al. developed a paper-based, Through my work with the Public Health locus of control on physicians (see Raikhel, cross-sectional survey on police officers’ Program, I heard various stories of young 2010), with the result that patients took knowledge of the recent policy and distrib- people harassed by the police or denied little responsibility for their own treatments. uted it among 500 police officers across access to health care, sometimes not know- Narcology—the study and treatment of drug the country. Its results reflect promisingly ing where to go and to whom they can turn. and alcohol abuse—was loosely linked to high levels of knowledge within the police I also heard stories of people overdosing. the legal institutions and penal system force about HIV for those officers reached The fact that there are harm reduction and included sharing data of the registry by trainings, along with relatively favorable services in place and that young people of a person who uses drugs with the law attitudes towards harm reduction (Beletsky don’t have the means to access them has enforcement, employers, etc. Focus on et al. 2012). been central to my research. My ultimate control resulted in a heavily medicalized goal is to develop concrete recommenda- detoxification service. Despite the short- SF: Do you know of other countries tions on service design, as well as to identify term effectiveness and high cost of these which have successful models of ways to integrate specialized harm reduction detoxification services, they were the only public health interventions with these option offered within the public health care populations? system and hence patients often preferred these poor-quality and infective detox ZE: To my knowledge, Moldova has programs over “twelve-step” behavioral rather successfully implemented effective therapy offered by NGOs, patients HIV programs, such as methadone mainte- groups or alternative service in other nance therapy in prisons. Further afield, a informal settings. number of European countries exhibit good Communities of people who use examples of a non-judgmental scientific drugs, especially those who are not approach to treating people who use drugs aware of existing services, are often while simultaneously reducing crime and disempowered and thus unable to reducing blood-borne infections. demand better treatment. Experts Kyrgyzstan certainly has work to do to talk about “building the capacity” of meet these standards, but there are passion- these communities, yet, in my opin- ate advocates, inside and outside of the ion, a better approach would be to country, determined to pull the system in empower these individuals to ensure this direction. they are accepted as full members of society. “Building capacity” is simply giv- For more information, about the Open ing knowledge and skills, but empower- Society Public Health Program, including ment is a step further – it is ensuring people reports, expert opinions, and grants, please have the guts to act using those skills and visit www.opensocietyfoundations.org/ the knowledge, as well as ensuring that about/programs/public-health-program people are aware they have the capacity to For information on the Open Society change the environment they live in. Often, International Harm Reduction Development program, visit: www.opensocietyfounda- Zulaika ESENTAEVA (photo provided) tions.org/topics/harm-reduction

ScholarForum 11 Shanghai Xingang Hangzhou Ningbo JAPAN C H I N A Okinawa INDIA Myitkyina Taipei BANGL.

Guangzhou BANGL. Taiwan Mandalay Hong Kong S.A.R. Macau Regional BURMA Hanoi Haiphong S.A.R. Pratas Zhanjiang Island Sittwe Nay Pyi Taw Haikou LAOS BABUYAN ISLANDS Focus Hainan Chiang Mai Vientiane Dao Rangoon Udon Pathein Luzon Thani Hue Baguio Mawlamyine THAILAND Da Nang Nakhon Ratchasima VIETNAM Quezon City Bangkok Dawei Manila CAMBODIA Nha Mindoro Phnom Trang Penh P H I L I P P I N E S Samar Southeast Panay Iloilo Ho Chi Minh Cebu City City Palawan Bacolod Can Tho SPRATLY Negros FED. STATES OF Cagayan de Oro Phuket ISLANDS Mindanao Melekeok MICRONESIA Hat Yai Zamboanga Kota Kota Davao Asia George Baharu Kinabalu Town Kuala Terengganu Bandar Seri Sandakan PALAU Begawan MALAYSIA BRUNEI Ipoh KEPULAUAN Tawau Medan Kuantan NATUNA Pulau MALAYSIA Simeulue Kuala Lumpur Sibu Johor Kuching B o r n e o Bahru Singapore Manado Halmahera Pulau Pekanbaru SINGAPORE Nias Pontianak M Padang Samarinda Palu

O Sorong Pulau Siberut Sumatra Pulau Bangka Sulawesi L Ceram KEPULAUAN Palembang Jayapura MENTAWAI Banjarmasin U Billiton Kendari Buru Ambon Tanjungkarang- C Makassar Telukbetung C Jakarta PAPUA I N D O N E S I A A KEPULAUAN NEW Semarang Madura ARU GUINEA Surbaya S Bandung Java Malang Bali Lombok Flores Díli Denpasar Merauke Sumbawa EAST TIMOR Kupang Sumba Timor A U S T R A L I A

Map adapted from CIA World Factbook. Public domain. Names in Vietnam are shown without diacritical marks. Michael PALLER Program Coordinator, Open Society Burma Project/Southeast Asia Initiative Matthew WILSON Program Manager, Open Society the opposition in peace negotiations. tion and environmental degradation are on Scholarship Programs Independent media groups operate more the rise. In Cambodia, private corporations freely and new political parties are drafting join forces with the government to exploit Southeast Asia plays an increasingly legislation to improve education and health natural resources like timber and miner- prominent role on the global stage. With care throughout the country. Despite these als, leading to large scale displacement abundant natural resources and increasingly encouraging developments, many challeng- and deforestation. The government in Laos sophisticated labor markets, many countries es remain, including fostering durable peace is aggressively pursuing hydropower, often in the region are experiencing rapid econom- and ensuring protection for the nation’s with the support of international financial ic growth. Such growth, however, has been ethnic and religious minorities. institutions, but ignoring the concerns of accompanied by widening income inequality, In Cambodia and Thailand, journal- downstream communities that are strug- growing environmental concerns, and alarm- ists and lawyers are developing new tools to gling to maintain their livelihoods. ing human rights abuses. Across the region, help vulnerable populations access infor- There are enormous challenges ahead, corruption and impunity are stifling politi- mation. Yet both of these countries are also but in each country of the region, youth are cal reform. These challenges are being met marked by the rollback of basic freedoms, using new media and technology to shift with demands for justice by the emergence particularly freedom of expression and power away from the wealthiest individuals. of a dynamic civil society comprised of new freedom of assembly. In Cambodia, for Their innovative efforts are yielding exciting youth movements, legal aid organizations, example, the police recently cracked down change and national debate, and fostering and empowered citizen groups. on demonstrators protesting the fraudu- political engagement on an inspiring scale. In Burma, human rights advocates lent results of the July national elections. In the Scholarship Programs, we believe are working to uphold the recent reforms In Thailand, the courts are handing down that quality higher education plays a key while continuing to push for further demo- increasingly harsh sentences to bloggers role in helping this next generation of lead- cratic change. In the past two years, the writing about sensitive topics, thus foster- ers push the reform agenda forward. In the government has released political prison- ing a culture of self-censorship. pages that follow, you will find a few of ers, relaxed censorship laws, and engaged Throughout the region, land confisca- these inspiring voices. Shanghai Xingang Hangzhou Ningbo JAPAN C H I N A Okinawa INDIA Myitkyina Taipei BANGL.

Guangzhou BANGL. Taiwan Mandalay Hong Kong S.A.R. Macau Hanoi S.A.R. Pratas BURMA Haiphong Zhanjiang The Right to Education Island Sittwe Nay Pyi Taw Haikou LAOS BABUYAN ISLANDS Hainan for Karen Refugees and Chiang Mai Vientiane Dao Rangoon Udon Pathein Luzon Thani Hue Baguio Internally Displaced People Mawlamyine THAILAND Da Nang and learning takes place under constant fear and threat. Life for Nakhon Ratchasima VIETNAM Quezon City Hsar Doe Doh MOO Karen ethnic children/youth is often a nightmare involving hid- Bangkok Dawei Manila CAMBODIA Nha Mindoro Supplementary Grant Program Asia, 2008 ing in the jungle without a proper classroom and learning materi- Phnom Trang Penh P H I L I P P I N E S Samar als. However, the Karen people’s desire to learn remains a driving Ho Chi Minh Panay Iloilo Cebu City City Palawan Bacolod Burma, one of the most ethnically diverse and natural resource- force in their effort to get education. Can Tho SPRATLY Negros FED. STATES OF Cagayan de Oro rich countries in the world, has experienced a series of crises since Karen refugees from Burma have been residing on the Thai Phuket ISLANDS Mindanao Melekeok MICRONESIA Hat Yai Zamboanga Kota Kota Davao gaining independence from the British colonial government in border for almost 30 years, and the protracted situation of refugees George Baharu Kinabalu Town Kuala Terengganu Bandar Seri Sandakan PALAU 1948. Interethnic conflict, civil war, political instability, socioeco- has become a burden for Thailand as well as international aid Begawan MALAYSIA BRUNEI Ipoh KEPULAUAN Tawau Medan Kuantan NATUNA nomic turmoil, and human rights abuses are all major obstacles organizations. Improving the quality of refugees’ lives significantly Pulau MALAYSIA Simeulue Kuala Lumpur Sibu that have prolonged the country’s development and prosperity. In Johor Kuching B o r n e o Bahru Singapore Manado Halmahera light of this, the abolishment of the military dictatorship, intensifi- Pulau Pekanbaru SINGAPORE Nias Pontianak M cation of the democratic transition, protection of ethnic nationali- “Armed conflicts between Padang Samarinda Palu

O Sorong Pulau Siberut Sumatra Pulau Bangka ties, restoration of a durable peace through political means, and KEPULAUAN Palembang Sulawesi L Ceram Banjarmasin Jayapura MENTAWAI U the Karen National Union and Billiton Kendari reform of the economic and education system are highly desirable Buru Ambon Tanjungkarang- C Makassar Telukbetung C to Burmese citizens. After decades of military dictatorship and iso- Jakarta PAPUA Burmese Army over the last six I N D O N E S I A A KEPULAUAN NEW Semarang Madura ARU GUINEA lation from the global community, Burma’s recent series of political Surbaya S Bandung Java Malang Bali Lombok Flores Díli and socioeconomic reforms are a welcome sign. Burmese citizens all decades have had disastrous Denpasar Merauke Sumbawa EAST TIMOR Kupang hope that it will lead to genuine reform. Sumba Timor The prolonged armed conflicts between the Karen National effects on Karen communities” A U S T R A L I A Union (KNU) and Burmese Army over the last six decades have resulted in disastrous effects on Karen communities. Civil war and depends on the provision of food, security, shelter, health care, human rights violations forced thousands of Karen civilians to aban- and education, especially during emergency situations. Without don their home towns, agricultural fields, livestock, and property support for these basic needs, life for refugees is a challenge. Recent and become internally displaced persons (IDPs) within the country budget cuts for refugee assistance could lead to hardship for the or seek refuge in Thailand. Karen people residing in IDP areas or refugee population in Thailand. refugee camps have been traumatized by human rights abuses on the The European Union has been the largest donor for Burmese part of the Burmese army, including forced labor, land confiscation, refugees since 1995, providing financial assistance in major sectors sexual violence, extrajudicial killings, forced relocation, extortion, (education, food, health care, and shelter). It has minimized its excessive taxation, and mental and physical torture. funding since 2010 and now emphasizes capacity building in agri- Peace talks and the initial ceasefire agreement between the culture, livestock, and handicrafts. In the education sector, due to KNU leadership and Burmese government delegations represent- the funding shortage, stakeholders involved in refugee education ing reformist President Thein Sein in January 2012 brought good have encountered a huge challenge that has had a great impact on news to peace-loving people, including myself. However, I have sustainable education in Karen refugee camps. mixed feelings and I am both positive and skeptical as to whether The Karen Refugee Committee Education Entity (KRCEE) the initial peace talks will build a genuine and sustainable peace is the main educational representative of seven Karen refugee camps. In these camps, it manages and coordinates schools providing basic and higher education, locally known as post-sec- “Education is crucial to ondary education programs. For KRCEE, the decline of teacher’s salaries is a setback because financial support plays a crucial role transforming the atmosphere in in providing quality education and sustains the long-term commitment of teachers to their work. Burma from negative to positive” According to American psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, physiological or basic needs, such as food and freedom for everyone in Burma. One of the main questions I procurement, are necessary for survival. Without having met have about the process is this: Can we guarantee a genuine peace these basic needs, further growth and progress is difficult. In an for Karen and other ethnic school children in war zones where they educational setting, when children’s physiological need for food can learn safely and happily with dignity? is unfulfilled, they will not be able to concentrate on their stud- Improvement in the right to education is impossible for the ies, may have a lack of interest in schooling, may become delin- majority of Karen children in armed conflict zones. For these quent, and, finally, may drop out. In the same manner, without children and young adults of school age, education is precarious receiving adequate food, refugee teachers on the Thai border

ScholarForum 13 will leave the camps where they have been build a sustainable and prosperous society, Finally, as education is a fundamental confined and try to ensure their survival alleviate poverty, and revive the hopes of human right, it should be respected. The by looking for job opportunities in nearby the citizens of Burma. Despite living in a current government of Burma and its stake- Thai villages. restricted and insecure environment where holders in political and socioeconomic The rate of teacher turnover is high, especially in the basic education sector, as a result of inadequate financial support. “Improvement in the right to education The quality and sustainability of education in Karen refugee camps principally is impossible for the majority of Karen depends on these teachers. Their replace- ment with novice and inexperienced teach- children in armed conflict zones” ers is therefore a challenge. Bringing about the long-term provision of quality educa- there are insufficient resources and facili- reform must underscore the importance of tion to refugees is precarious. ties, refugee and IDP students are never education in their reform agenda, and pro- Working in the field of education, I reluctant about pursuing their education. vide essential support and assistance. This am convinced that education is crucial to It is a life-long process, and if one can use will revitalize the hope of school age chil- transforming the atmosphere in Burma and apply it in an appropriate and use- dren and young adults, and strengthen their from negative to positive. It is a vital tool ful manner, education can bring about confidence as they work to make Burma that can bring lasting peace and justice, changes in one’s life, society, and country. prosperous and democratic.

Three girls wearing Lisu clothing outside of a tourist site, northern Thailand photo Matthew WILSON

A Karen community health worker administers a blood test to a young boy photo Saw MORT Health and Rights in Burma: A Case of the Kachin of have led to a severe humanitarian crisis, which is exacerbated in the ethnic regions due to civil war. Northern Burma The Kachin signed the Panglong Agreement in 1947, which Dan Seng LAWN formed the foundation of the Union of Burma that followed in Supplementary Grant Program Asia 2012 1948. The agreement contained important provisions for protecting the rights of minorities, including groups such as the Shan, Chin, Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health Burmese, and other ethnic nationalities. From 1948 to 1961, the and well-being of himself and his family, including food, clothing, housing Kachin actively took part in politics in this period of parliamen- and medical care and the right to security in the event of unemployment, tary democracy in Burma. An unpopular religious policy of Prime sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circum- Minister U Nu was marked by an agreement to cede the Kachin stances beyond his control. villages of Phimaw, Gaulam, and Kanphang, to China, despite bit- —Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ter protest from the Kachin. These policies prompted the Christian

Burma has become a center of attention for the international community since its recent purported change from a military to a “Successive governments in quasi-civilian government. Whether the motive of the ruling elite for change is genuine or not is still subject to hot debate. Has the Burma failed to bring about government taken the initiative to establish a democratic society durable solutions to problems with a government and an economy that responds to the needs and interests of citizens? To address this question I will explore the field with ethnic nationalities” of health, pertaining to fundamental rights, with a special reference to the ethnic Kachin of Burma. Kachins to take up an armed rebellion against the government The modern perception of human rights is a combination of in 1961, while other ethnic nationalities like the Shan pursued two important historical developments: the evolution of the ideas constitutional remedies through the Taungyi Conference (Graver, of humanity and rights. While classical Greek philosophy laid the 1996). The plight of Kachin civilians has been great for over 50 foundation for these ideas, the Magna Carta (1215), the Bill of years. The first conflict started in 1961 and lasted until 1994, when Rights (1689), the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and a ceasefire agreement was signed between the Kachin Independent the Citizen (1789), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Organization (KIO) and State Peace and Development Council (1948) developed this foundation and shaped many of our notions (SPDC). In 2011 a second civil war broke out and is still ongoing. of rights into their current form. Thus, Costas Douzinas aptly pro- The successive administrations of the military government are claimed that “human rights are the greatest invention of modern not remembered as responsible but as authoritarian, insensitive, political philosophy and legal jurisprudence.” In contrast to this, aloof, and inefficient in dealing with humanitarian problems. In the traditional perception of Burmese society views an individual 1976, many lives were lost in a widespread famine that broke out in the triangle area of Kachin state. No humanitarian measures were taken by the government, and little to no international help was “Even minor infections often received due to lack of media attention. lead to critical conditions The health care system in Burma has four sectors: traditional, private, public, and military. Among them, the public sector is the due to scarcity of medicine” most inefficient. There are divisional hospitals, district medical centers, and village public clinics at the lowest level. These health care as the bearer of “duties” rather than “rights” (Maung Maung Gyi, facilities lack access to sufficient medicines, especially in rural areas. 1983). This perception is still pervasive in the culture of the ruling The root cause of this failure is the government’s unwillingness to clique. Thus, “duty” becomes a prerequisite relationship between allocate higher budgets, train medical workers, and maintain medi- the rulers and their subjects. cal supplies. The result is that even minor infections often lead to Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that the government critical conditions due to scarcity of medicine. (This is an inference does not pay much attention to the rights of its people, despite criti- drawn from personal encounters during a trip in 2007 with college cisms from the international community. students to three remote villages: Maji Bum, Gaw Lun and Zupra Another factor is that successive governments in Burma failed in Hukaung township). The private sector seems to be booming, to bring about durable solutions to settle protracted political prob- yet is not accessible for the poor. The traditional sector is on a lems with ethnic nationalities. Instead, we witnessed the burgeon- decline due to rapid deforestation caused by indiscriminate mining militarization of the government on one side and “insurgency ing and logging. Thus, herbal plants become hard to find for the as a way of life” in ethnic areas on the other side. These factors traditional practitioners though traditional medicine is still in high

ScholarForum 15 demand. Though the military sector is well maintained, it is also natural that no effective mechanism to ensure fundamental rights not accessible to the general public. These shortcomings have led (including the right to health) could be implemented under this to widespread diseases, such malaria, cholera, small pox, diarrhea, kind of nebulous state of affairs. Burma’s ruling elite must change and HIV and AIDS, which is widespread in Kachin State, often due its perceptions of state/individual or state/ethnic group relation- to drug addiction and intravenous drug use. It is alleged that some ships, and not see them founded on the basis of “duty,” but on corrupt local policemen even compel families to sell drugs. A silver rather on the basis of “rights.” Though economic liberalization will lining to these problems is that they have attracted the attention of be crucial to easing troubles and tensions, it is not the panacea for groups like Medecins Sans Frontieres-Holland (AZG) and World all political problems. There are other factors that are shaping Concern, which both currently take care of HIV patients. Burma’s political destiny. Ethnic conflicts should be solved by means of fair and sincere political negotiations, not by whole-scale military offensives. Thus, how far the current so-called “civilian- “Without solving political ized” government takes measures to solve these problems will reveal problems first, it will not be how genuine its motives really are. Only when the government is sincere enough in its motives and is thoroughly pursuing the poli- plausible to handle health and cies of change, will it be plausible for Burma to realize Article 25 of human rights problems” the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The outbreak of civil war in 2011 has further aggravated these negative conditions. Many civilians have been displaced and face acute mental and physical health problems, in addition to social, economic, and political challenges. The total number now has reached more than Open Society 100,000. In principle, the government agreed to allow the UN to help reach out to camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), yet in real- Foundation ity relief for the Kachin was hampered by concern for the safety of aid envoys and travel prohibitions (Irrawaddy News, 04/24/2013). IDPs are facing a dire shortage of essential goods such as drinking water, Programs in firewood, and food despite limited help from church organizations and NGOs (Kachin News Group, 04/26/2013). In Phakant, according to Southeast Asia local people I spoke to in May 2013, the number of IDPs was more Open Society Foundations activities in Southeast Asia than10,000. The fight between Tatmadaw and KIA in the Hpakant aim to help Burma transition to an open society and support region reached its height from October 2012 to March 2013. Now the efforts by civil society groups in other countries in the region to number of IDPs has come down to about 1,000, since most of these improve human rights, promote good governance, strengthen people have gone back to jade mining. The two main camps are in media freedoms, and effectively participate in initiatives such as Maw Wan and Ngapyawtaw respectively, and are run by church leaders. the Association of Southeast Asian Nations As I discovered from interviewing a local resident, food shortages in the Comprehensive information on our work in the region, camp had prompted some IDPs to flee to their home villages, where including grants, reports, and expert profiles, is available at: they were killed by Burmese soldiers. These are the present dire condi- www.opensocietyfoundations.org/topics/southeast-asia tions of IDPs in Kachin state. Martin Smith, of the advocacy group Article 19, aptly pinpointed the root cause of the humanitarian crisis in OSF programs which operate within Southeast Asia are: Burma, saying “starvation, disease, poverty, injury, genocide and other • Burma Project gross human rights violations arising out of armed conflict are perhaps • Southeast Asia Initiative the most extreme health emergencies” (Smith, 2003). • Open Society Fellowships Having explored Burma’s grim conditions, it is obvious that • Open Society Justice Initiative without solving political problems first, it will not be plausible to effectively handle health, social, economic, and human rights problems. All these problems stem from the policies of Burma’s previous Open Society Voices leaders such as Prime Minister U Nu, who built a nation-state based Open Society Voices is the Open Society Foundations blog on religion, and General Ne Win, who used military power and that aims to showcase the ideas, opinions, and thoughts of the forced assimilation to run the country. These policies have played a people and groups we work with. By giving our experts and grant- large role in causing Burma’s ethnic nationalities to respond with ees a platform to present their issues, Open Society Voices helps widespread armed rebellions. The civil war in 2011 therefore sharpen their thinking, and engage with a wider public in con- seemed inevitable. It continues in Kachin state and is spreading to versations about advancing open society values around the globe. Shan state as well (Democratic Voice of Burma, 05/09/2013). It is Read more at: http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices Alumni Updates

The following snapshots provide a brief and gender studies issues. tamar.tsopurashvili@ Cambridge and iliauni.edu.ge update of the activities, research interests, and professions of Open Society Oxford Hospitality 2006 Scholarship Programs’ alumni across the Nana PRUIDZE (Georgia) is a senior consultant at world. Email addresses have been pub- Program Ernst & Young in Stuttgart, Germany. nanuka_ lished where permission has been given. 2004 [email protected] Aleksandra GRUEVSKA-DRAKULEVSKI (Macedonia) is an assistant professor at the 2006 Law Faculty of the University of St. Cyril and Methodius. [email protected] Yevgen ZARUDNYEV (Ukraine) is a CEO of a law firm, Zilver, in Ukraine. Yevgen is currently undertaking research in German business law. Asia Pacific 2005 Irena GRUBICA (Croatia) is a lecturer at the 2007 Scholarship English Department of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka. igru- Nina KHUCHUA (Georgia) is a PhD candidate Consortium [email protected] at MARUM/GLOMAR at the University of Bremen in Germany and is undertaking research 2008 on the role of the Black Sea Commission in 2010 Chaw Su Su KHAING (Burma) is a public health protecting the Black Sea against environmental analyst at the 3 MDG Fund in Myanmar. Yuriy LOBODA (Ukraine) is a post-doctoral pollution. [email protected] [email protected] researcher at the Institute of Philosophy of the National Academy of Sciences in Ukraine. yuriy. 2008 Nyunt WIN (Burma) is an editor with the Journal [email protected] Corina AJDER (Moldova) has worked as a local of Human Rights and Democracy published in coordinator at the European Roma Rights Myanmar. [email protected] Centre in Hungary and Ukraine and coordinat- Civil Service Awards ed a community-based empowerment program 2009 for stateless and illiterate Roma. corina.ajder@ Kheang THIDA (Cambodia) is currently work- 2012 gmail.com ing for UNESCO in Cambodia and is mainly Mihail BELOUSIUC (Moldova) is head counsellor Yuliya DENYSHCHYCH (Ukraine) is currently a responsible for teacher education, technical and at the State Chancellery. vocational training, and education for sustain- senior advisor at PwC Luxembourg, specializing able development. [email protected] in antimoney laundering and internal controls. Rustamdjan HAKIMOV (Kyrgyzstan) is a PhD 2010 DAAD/OSF candidate and researcher at WZB in Berlin. Zaw OO (Myanmar) is a project manager at the Burnet Institute. [email protected] Program Ziliara KOMROWSKI (Kyrgyzstan) is an associate 2005 technical consultant at deltamethod GmbH. Phanisone SAMOUNTRY (Laos) is a govern- Ziliara is developing algorithms for data analysis. ment officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Julia BURAYEVA is an economic adviser at the Forestry in Lao PDR. Phanisone is currently Representative Office of German Economy in Halyna SEMENYSHYN (Ukraine) is currently a working on integrated watershed management Belarus where she develops and promotes trade PhD student in political economy at Kassel planning for sub-watersheds in the Nam Ngum and economic relations between German and University. Halyna is conducting research on river basin region. [email protected] Belarusian companies. [email protected] German public banks and financial crises. hal- [email protected] Salome KVAVADZE (Georgia) is researching the 2011 areas of civil crisis prevention, official devel- Myo Min LWIN (Burma) is a nutrition officer at opment assistance, universal health coverage, 2010 an NGO. [email protected] and disaster risk management at VENRO. Roman MELNYK (Ukraine) is interested in pub- [email protected] lic telecommunications law, public construc- Seng Aung Sein MYINT (Burma) is a Gender-Based tion law, and the law of peaceful protests. Violence Officer coordinator at the UNFPA work- Tamar TSOPURASHVILI (Georgia) is an associate Roman is a professor at the Administrative ing to improve health and psychosocial care access professor of philosophy at Ilia State University. Law Department of Taras Shevchenko National for Kachin state. [email protected] Tamar is currently working on human rights University in Kyiv.

ScholarForum 17 Zarinamo MUKHTOROVA (Tajikistan) is a coordinator for monitoring at the PR and BCI Project European Studies Faculty Development at Sarob Cooperative (GIZ Project) in Tajikistan. [email protected] Program Fellowship Program Kire VASILEV (Turkmenistan) is researching the 2010 2008 Euro crisis and wealth and poverty disparities. Kateryna RUSKYKH (Ukraine) is an analyst and Tamar MAKHARADZE (Georgia) is an associate [email protected] program officer at the Center for Social and professor at the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State Economic Research (CASE) Ukraine. University . [email protected] 2011 Elina GUSEYNOVA is researching energy politics, 2011 2008/2009/2010 EU gas diversification policy, and options and Nino NIKOLEISHVILI (Georgia) is a resident twin- Tamar ALPENIDZE (Georgia) is working on a limitations. [email protected] ning advisor assistant at the EU Twinning Project. project about Georgian monasteries during the Ottoman Empire.

Fellows Help Social Work Bloom in Central Asia and the Caucasus was crippled by the university’s bureaucracy and politics. Progress, however, has happened when we least expected it. Lesha GREENE, Program Manager, Open First came membership of the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Society Scholarship Programs Union in the International Federal Association of Workers. This was followed by an article published in the Guardian on the work Open Society Scholarship Programs champion the power of of the AZSWU to develop social work and address disability rights. the individual. One of our programs, the Social Work Fellowship, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of maternal pride. We would first which began in 1999, has funded individuals with the aim of devel- meet the potential candidates during the interview process, then oping the field of social work in post-Soviet countries. again at the pre-departure orientation where they would express The design was simple: enable those in the region in related the fears and excitement that come with leaving one's family and fields to obtain a master’s degree in social work from Columbia friends for two years to study in a language and country that are not University or Washington University in St. Louis. At its peak, the one’s own. Before they'd return to their home countries, they would Social Work Fellowship Program operated in seven countries— share their anxiety and eagerness to return. Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—offering 16 scholarships a year. The development of a field that didn’t exist or existed in a “The development of a field rather simple form is no easy feat. In some countries, the political situation did not lend itself to any endeavors that challenged the that didn’t exist is no easy feat” status quo; in others, there seemed to never be enough cohesion among the individuals for them to become a force. When we inter- We would watch them graduate and send them off with a viewed potential candidates for the program, we would try to gauge reminder about the program’s goals and mission. When we visited the applicant’s dedication to the field and assess if he or she would their countries to check in with the now alumni, we heard about go beyond what most would do. It was a calculated risk. their progress (or lack thereof) and their criticism of seemingly For the most part, it’s a risk that has paid off. The recent suc- unwieldy systems, but also their optimism. Although at times things cess of the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union (AZSWU) led me seemed rather bleak, and it would have been easier for alumni to to think about how change occurs and how the Social Work Fellows leave their countries and get jobs elsewhere that would fully utilize have changed the landscape of social work in many countries. their skills, they did not. They forged ahead. Alumni in Mongolia and Georgia have formed thriving associations There are now registered professional associations in Azerbaijan, that have not only raised the profile of social work within their Georgia, Mongolia, and Tajikistan founded and developed by alumni respective countries, but also developed social work education. of the Social Work Fellowship Program. While the program no lon- By contrast, development in Azerbaijan had been slow. When ger exists as a stand-alone initiative (its last intake of students from the I met with alumni during interview trips, it was easy to see their post-Soviet states was in 2012; we're offering scholarships to students frustration with the system. For every step forward, there would be from Jordan through 2013), I would categorize it as a success. It several back. For example, the success of getting funding to develop wasn’t always easy, and progress came at different rates, but program a department of social work at one of the leading public universities alumni have shown what dedication to the field can achieve. 2009/2010/2011 Ziad ZAGHROUT (Palestine) is an assistant pro- Munkhselenge PUREVDORJ (Mongolia) is a lec- Mongolian fessor at Birzeit University. Ziad is currently turer at the School of Foreign Service of the teaching in both the finance and public adminis- National University of Mongolia. Munkhselenge Professional tration departments. [email protected] just began a PhD at Central European University. Fellowship Program 2010 2010/2011/2012 2002 Abdul Naser ARAFAT (Palestine) is an assistant Narantuya DANZAN (Mongolia) is an associate professor at the Birzeit University, Department Dayan-Ochir KHISHIGBUYAN (Mongolia) is a of Geography. professor at the National University of Mongolia. project coordinator at the Rural Education and Narantuya has published a book on qualitative Development Project. research and is currently studying social change in Mongolia. [email protected] Palestinian Rule 2011/2012/2013 Muskie/FSA of Law Program Ramaz KURDADZE (Georgia) is a linguist at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. Ramaz is Graduate Fellowship 2004/2005 currently undertaking research studying cultural Hisham Abu NADA (Palestine) has worked since and anthropological aspects of the Georgian Program 2005 as an office manager in a USAID rule language. [email protected] 1999 of law program in Gaza. Hisham was then was apponted as a judge in the Gaza courts and as a Lela KIRIA (Georgia) is a lecturer at the Ivane part time lecturer in the law school of the Islamic Georgia Scholarship Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. University. [email protected] 2004 2009 Program for Education Aida ALYMBAEVA (Kyrgyzstan) is a researcher at Motaz ALNAOUQ (Palestine) is a PhD candidate Professionals the Center for Innovative Education "Peremena." at the University of Zurich in Switzerland and is [email protected] currently working on a project focusing on the 2007 protection of the right to life and human dignity. Natia ANDGULADZE (Georgia) is an assistant professor at Ilia State University. natia_andgu- Myanmar Master’s 2011/2012 [email protected] Abeer HASHAYKA (Palestine) is a Child Rights of Health Program Governance Officer at Save the Children in 2008 Palestine. 2009/2010 George ZEDGINIDZE (Georgia) is a Director of Environmental and Social Performance (ESP) at Aye Thiri KYAW (Burma) is working on a short- the Millennium Challenge Account in Georgia. term consultancy contract for a women's leadership assessment at the Gender Equality Network Social Work in Myanmar. [email protected] Fellowship Program Global Faculty 2010 2000 Aung Zaw MOE (Burma) works for a non-formal Grants Program Nazim HABIBOV (Azerbaijan) is an associate pro- education program for marginalized children in fessor at the School of Social Work, University of 2013 Bago, Myanmar, and previously had an Open Windsor. [email protected] Society alumni grant in 2012. aungzawrain@ Ablet KAMALOV (Kazakhstan) is an assistant gmail.com professor at Turan University. 2002 Erdenechimeg TSERENDORJ (Mongolia) is the executive director of the Center for Social Work Global Palestinian Faculty Excellence. [email protected] Supplementary Development 2004 Fellowship Aytakin HUSEYNLI (Azerbaijan) is a founder and Grant Program executive director of the Azerbaijan Social Work 2006 Public Union. [email protected] 2010 Nasser ABU-EL-NOOR (Palestine) is working Milena OGANESYAN (Georgia) is an invited as an assistant professor at the College of 2006 lecturer at the University of Georgia. Milena is Nursing of the Islamic University of Gaza. Aygun GANDILOVA (Azerbaijan) is a child pro- researching identity processes of mixed couples Nasser's research interests include quality of life, in Georgia. [email protected] tection and advocacy manager at World Vision spiritual care, end of life care, and health ethics. International in Azerbaijan. [email protected] [email protected]

ScholarForum 19 2007 2005/2007 2011/2012 Sholpan PRIMBETOVA (Kazakhstan) is a direc- Aung Tu NBAWT (Burma) is a social develop- Maung Seng LAWN (Burma) is researching the tor of operations at the Columbia University ment professional at the Community Health challenges of nation-building in Burma. Global Health Research Center of Central Asia and Development Center in Myanmar. Aung in Kazakhstan. Sholpan is currently involved Tu is currently leading psychosocial counseling in research on HIV, TB, and drug abuse. activities in the IDP camps in Kachin State. [email protected] [email protected] UK Programs 2002 2009 2006/2007 Ines SUCIC (Croatia) is a research associate at the Janyl MOLDALIEVA (Kyrgyzstan) is a pro- Mi Mi Aung KHIN (Burma) is a health and social sci- Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar. gram development officer in the International entist and helps Myanmar adolescents increase their Resources Group of the Kyrgyz Republic knowledge on reproductive health and sexuality. Transition Initiative (KRTI), part of USAID's 2005 Office of Transition Initiatives. Janyl is working 2006/2007 Bahija ALIYEVA (Azerbaijan) is a program analyst with KRTI on governance and health issues. on gender issues at the UNFPA Azerbaijan. [email protected] Mi Mi Aung KHIN (Burma) studied health and [email protected] social science, and has applied this knowledge by working for a local NGO. 2010 Olimjon BOBOKALONOV (Tajikistan) is a value chain development specialist at GIZ/AFC Kanykei ERGESHEVA (Kyrgyzstan) is the conflict 2007/2008 Consultants International GmbH in Tajikistan. sensitivity and monitoring and evaluation expert Nway Nway MAR (Burma) has been an office/ Olimjon is currently working on private sec- at the Peace Building Program of the UNDP. tor development project supporting small and Kanykei is currently doing an extensive analysis finance manager at the Open Society Institute (Burma) since 2012. [email protected] medium enterprises and business development of all UNDP programs on conflict sensitivity. services providers countrywide. olim.bobokalo- [email protected] [email protected] 2007/2008/2009/2010 Kanykei LATIPOVA (Kyrgyzstan) is a national fam- Naw Hser COO (Burma) is an interpreter for the Zornitsa VLADOVA (Bulgaria) has been work- ily strengthening advisor at the SOS Children's UNHCR in Thailand. [email protected] ing as an economist in the Economic Research Villages, Kyrgyzstan. [email protected] and Forecasting Directorate of the Bulgarian 2008 National Bank since 2007. Zornitsa is currently 2011 head of the monetary and financial research divi- Hnin Pwint SOE (Burma) is doing thesis research sion. [email protected] Sevinj ABDULLAYEVA (Azerbaijan) is the youth for an MA in Education in Auckland, New development program manager for the U.S. Zealand, and is conducting research on the Peace Corps. perceptions of teachers and students of the role 2006 of extracurricular activities in higher education. Fajar ANUGERAH (Indonesia) is currently work- [email protected] ing with Hivos as a project manager for their Supplementary SWITCH–Asia project for sustainable consump- 2008/2009/2010 tion and production in Indonesia and the Philippines [email protected] Grant Program Asia Sai Sam Phoon SENG (Burma) is the education and foreign affairs officer of the Shan 2003 Olena BOYTSUN (Ukraine) is the founder Nationalities League for Democracy. and president of the All-Ukrainian Charity Aung Tu NBAWT (Myanmar) is a project manager Foundation, Chess for Children, which aims at the Community Health and Development 2009/2011/2012 to discover the potential of every child through Center/Institute. [email protected] Su Zar MON (Burma) is a mental health super- engagement with the game of chess. olena.boyt- visor at Première Urgence – Aide Médicale [email protected] 2004/2005/2006/2007/2009 Internationale. Su's research is about job burn- Hsar Doe Doh MOO (Burma) works with a out and the organization effect on Myanmar's 2007 Karen education and environmental organiza- mental health social workers. Nurzhan DZHUMABAEV (Kyrgyzstan) is a social tion based in Thailand, and is currently under- safeguards specialist at the Asian Development taking research and a correlational study of post- 2010 Bank in Kyrgyzstan. Nurzhan is also involved 12 refugee students' academic motivation and Aye Thet OO (Burma) is a project monitoring and in various land and agriculture-focused research achievement. [email protected] database associate at the Internal Organization for projects across the country. nurdzhan_db@hot- Migration in Myanmar, and is currently monitor- mail.com 2005/2006/2007/2008/2009 ing Global Fund project activities in Mon state. Ziyoda KURBANOVA (Tajikistan) is researching Aye Aye KHIN (Burma) works at Multimedia international development issues in Central University, Malaysia. Aye's research focuses 2011/2012 Asia. She is currently pursuing her second MA on developing agricultural sector model- Luiz KIADTIKHUNPHAIBUN (Burma) is a peace from the Graduate Institute of International and ing, forecasting and capacity building for and political analyst at the Karenni National Development Studies in Switzerland. Malaysian agricultural sector policy analysis. Progressive Party in Myanmar. Luiz is currently [email protected] working with a youth group on peace monitoring Martin OSSIKOVSKI (Bulgaria) is currently work- in Karenni State. [email protected] ing as an assistant professor at the University of National and World Economy. Currently, Aliya ISKAKOVA (Kazakhstan) is working on a at the institute is on Western Balkans regional Martin's research interests are in the field of his- comparative study of quality assurance in higher affairs and foreign affairs and security. shpen- tory of pre-modern economic thought and media education in Kazakhstan and the United States. [email protected] ethics. [email protected] [email protected] Albana MERJA (Albania) is a research fellow at Marjan PETRESKI (Macedonia) is an assistant Yauheni PREIHERMAN (Belarus) is the policy the Group for Legal and Political Studies, a think professor and vice-dean for research at the director at the Discussion and Analytical Society tank based in Kosovo. Albana is concentrated on University American College, Skopje. Marjan Liberal Club (Belarus). Yauheni is currently work- European conditionality for Kosovo and has a is doing research in monetary and development ing on a public administration reform project and special research interest on the visa liberalization economics and recently won a Japanese award developing a concept for the future of EU-Belarus process for Kosovo. [email protected] for outstanding research. marjan.petreski@uacs. relations. [email protected] edu.mk Milica STOJNIC (Serbia) is a teaching assistant Nara RAKHMATIA (Indonesia) is interested in at the Faculty of Economics and Engineering Osman RRACI (Kosovo) works for the Enterprise researching APEC issues and diplomacy. Management in Serbia. Milica is currently Growth Program in Kosovo operated by undertaking the project under the EU Lifelong the European Bank for Reconstruction and Tijana STEVANOVIC (Serbia) is an architect and Learning Programme for Serbia. milicastojn- Development. Osman has been published in PhD researcher at Newcastle University, UK. [email protected] the Eastern European Economics Journal and Tijana is currently researching architectural has been awarded the Olda Radzyner Award. theory and criticism about New Belgrade's post- Answer STYANNES (Indonesia) is a program offi- [email protected] Yugoslav context for architectural production. cer at the Asian Human Rights Commission in [email protected] Hong Kong. Answer's work covers torture, free- Arie RUHYANTO (Indonesia) is a researcher at dom of religion, and other human rights issues the Faculty of Social and Political Universitas Elena TERZI (Moldova) is a public policy con- in West Papua and different parts of Indonesia. Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. Arie's research area is sultant at the National Participation Council, a regional development, with a current focus on leading policy research and advocacy platform in 2011 Eastern Indonesia. [email protected] Moldova. Elena works in the fields of good governance, institutional development, and human Ochir ALTANSUKH (Mongolia) is an associate capital policy. professor at the National University of Mongolia 2008 and is currently researching environmental sci- Aigul KASYMOVA (Kyrgyzstan) is an indepen- ence. [email protected] dent analyst working in the area of human rights 2010 and transitional justice. Anera ALISHANI (Kosovo) works as a researcher Mariam ASANISHVILI (Georgia) is currently work- at ILIRIA College in Kosovo. Anera is interested ing for a local NGO in Montenegro called Aya MARAQA (Jordan) is currently working as a in researching labor market studies, education, MANS, where she is a project assistant in their grant officer at the Foundation for the Future. financial crises, and other topics in Kosovo and Freedom of Information Project. mariam_asan- [email protected] the Western Balkans. [email protected] [email protected]

Ester Dina SIHOMBING (Indonesia) is an educa- Fitri Adi ANUGRAH (Indonesia) is a commu- Gulden Gursoy ATAMAN (Turkey) is currently tion UK program manager at the British Council- nication manager at United Cities and Local pursuing a PhD in journalism and working as Indonesia in Jakarta. [email protected] Governments in Indonesia. fitri.adianugrah@ a research assistant at the University of Ankara. gmail.com Gulden is undertaking research on "Human Margita SOLDO (Croatia) is a learning and devel- Rights in Public Discourse in Turkey in the opment manager and founder of Linguistified Nemanja DZUVEROVIC (Serbia) is an assistant 1990s." [email protected] of Croatia. Linguistified is a business special- professor at the University of Belgrade in the izing in translation and preparation courses for Department of International Relations. David CHIGHOLASHVILI (Georgia) works at Cambridge ESOL exams and e-learning in the GeoAIR, a contemporary art organization/resi- language field. [email protected] Safet HADZIMUHAMEDOVIC (Bosnia and dency in Tbilisi. David is also doing a PhD in Herzegovina) is an anthropologist researching anthropology at Tbilisi State University, working 2009 landscape and memory in Bosnia. Safet is cur- predominantly in visual and urban anthropology. rently completing a doctoral thesis and is teaching Marija BRUJIC (Serbia) holds a PhD in ethnology part-time at Goldsmiths, University of London. Nino EDILASHVILI (Georgia) is a research intern and anthropology from the University of Belgrade, at the Bulgarian Gender Research Foundation in and is also a research assistant there. Maria's cur- Bermet IMANBERDIEVA (Kyrgyzstan) is a national Sofia. Nino is currently undertaking research on rent areas of interests are the Europeanization of HIV coordinator at USAID's Quality Health Care gender stereotyping in media and advertisements Serbia, migration studies, and visual anthropol- Project in Kyrgyzstan. [email protected] in Bulgaria. [email protected] ogy. [email protected] Mahboobullah ILTAF (Afghanistan) is president Nino GACHECHILADZE (Georgia) is a research Mihail BURUIANA (Moldova) is a senior lec- of Jawan Parmakhtag Consulting Company analyst at ACT, a research company in Georgia. turer in the Faculty of Law at Moldova State and project design advisor with Ministry of Nino is currently working on a research project University. [email protected] Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. He is cur- about societal attitudes toward gender equality rently writing a white policy paper on governance in Georgia, implemented upon request by the Ketrina CABIRI (Albania) is working on the and democracy. [email protected] UNDP. [email protected] research topic of “Internal Democratization of Political Parties in Albania and Kosovo” and has Shpend KURSANI (Kosovo) is a senior researcher Gulnaz ISABEKOVA (Kyrgyzstan) is a manager published a monograph on constitutional law in at the Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and at Naryn LLC in Kyrgyzstan. Gulnaz is one of Albania. [email protected] Development–KIPRED. Shpend's research focus the founders of HOME (Housing Opportunities

ScholarForum 21 Meals Empowerment) Initiative Group, which Law Center as a scholar of the OSF Human Rights 2010 supports the homeless in Bishkek. gulnazka. internship program. [email protected] Aleksandra SIMOSKA (Macedonia) is a board [email protected] member at the Youth Can association. Arevik STEPANYAN (Armenia) is an assistant [email protected] Mochammad Faisal KARIM (Indonesia) is a lawyer at the Registry of the European Court lecturer at the Department of International of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. stepan- Relations, Bina Nusantara University. [email protected] 2011 Anastasiia GRYSHCHUK (Ukraine) has received Spiro LAZAROSKI (Macedonia) is a teaching Berat THAQI (Kosovo) is a researcher at the GAP a BA in international economic relations in assistant at the Faculty of Economics in Prilep, Institute in Kosovo. While working at GAP, Berat Ukraine. The topic for Anastasiia's thesis was Macedonia. Spiro is currently working on a PhD has undertaken research in different fields of eco- “The Impact of Globalization on Financial dissertation. [email protected] nomic issues in Kosovo. [email protected] Systems of Countries in Southeast Asia.” nas- [email protected] Kamila LUKPANOVA (Kazakhstan) is a guest- Edin ZORONJIC (Montenegro) is a business ana- editor at the first online magazine in Kazakhstan. lyst in Porto, Montenegro. [email protected] Anastasiia KRYZHANIVSKA (Ukraine) is head Kamila also works as a PR consultant in the of the NGO FRI. Mykolaiv FRI recently imple- sphere of branding, promotion, and marketing 2012 mented more than 10 social projects in differ- strategy. [email protected] ent spheres. Anastasiia is currently undertaking Elona TOSKA (Moldova) is a PhD student at research and focusing on English translation and Nino MACHARASHVILI (Georgia) is a journalist Oxford exploring the sexual practices of HIV- interpretation. [email protected] and project manager for Visualizing the News in positive adolescents. Since 2012, Elona has been Georgia and researches data journalism and data the executive director of the Albanian chapter of Ognjen KOJANIC (Serbia) graduated from the visualization. [email protected] United World Colleges, an international educa- Department of Ethnology and Anthropology at tion movement. [email protected] the University of Belgrade. Ognjen is starting Dragana MILEUSNIC (Serbia) is a research fel- an MA in sociology and social anthropology at low at the Center for Entrepreneurship Central European University in fall 2013. ogn- and Economic Development in Podgorica, [email protected] Montenegro. Dragana is currently undertaking Undergraduate research studying climate change and energy Dana MUNTEAN (Moldova) is a national com- policies in the Balkan region. draganamileus- Exchange Program munication consultant at the Diaspora Relations [email protected] 2005 Bureau. [email protected] Salome MINESASHVILI (Georgia) is a research Marko AKSENTIJEVIC (Serbia) is a project coordina- Sandra RADULJ (Bosnia and Herzegovina) is intern at the Center for Social Sciences, a think tor at MikroArt. [email protected] graduating from the economics department at tank in Georgia. Salome is researching Georgia's the University of Banja Luka and has an interest foreign policy for the organization's Foreign 2007 in the economy of Bosnia and other countries in Policy and Security Program. sminesashvili@ the region. [email protected] Ivan PANDZIC (Croatia) is a trainee at the the gmail.com Institute of Croatian Language and Linguistics Marjan PETRESKI (Macedonia) is an assistant pro- in Croatia. [email protected] fessor and research vice-dean at the University American College, Skopje. marjan.petreski@ 2008 uacs.edu.mk Danijela CVETKOVIC´ (Serbia) is an MA candidate in sociology at the University of Belgrade, Open Ereza Pula (Kosovo) is a research fellow at the Serbia. Danijela studies human rights and chang- Group for Legal and Political Studies in Kosovo. ing identities and practices under the experience Society Ereza's research is concentrated in the economic and influence of national and transnational sphere, specifically in unemployment and the movements. [email protected] gender pay gap. [email protected] Fellowship Miloš DJERIC´ (Serbia) is an MA candidate in soci- Budiarti RAHAYU (Indonesia) is a research officer ology at the University of Belgrade, Serbia and is The Open Society Fellowship at Strategic Asia Indonesia, a public policy con- interested in studying the diaspora coming from the supports individuals seeking innovative sulting firm. Currently, Budiarti is working with former Yugoslavia region. [email protected] and unconventional approaches to the Asian Development Bank for an education fundamental open society challenges. The project and UNDP for a decentralization-related Igor DOBROSAVLJEVIC (Macedonia) is currently fellowship funds work that will enrich project. [email protected] undertaking research about linking business incubation in Europe and Africa at a university public understanding of those challenges Nita SHALA (Albania) works as a legal associ- of applied sciences in Germany. and stimulate far-reaching and probing ate for the KLG law firm and as an expert at conversations within the Open Society the Ministry of Integration in the Republic of Albania. Nita is now a Phd candidate in 2009 Foundations and in the world. For International Law at the University of Geneva. Milana LAZIC (Serbia) is a human security coordinator detailed information on the Open Society [email protected] within the Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction Fellowship and for grantee profiles, please Unit in Serbia. Milana is studying for an MA in inter- visit: www.opensocietyfoundations.org/ Natasha STAMENKOVIKJ (Macedonia) is conduct- national security and writting a thesis on concepts of about/programs/open-society-fellowship ing a six-month internship at the Humanitarian social exclusion and security. [email protected] Contribute to the next Scholar Forum cover topic regional focus Social Movements Eastern Europe

The 17th edition of ScholarForum, to be produced in early 2015, calls on Scholarship Programs’ grantees and alumni to submit articles, opinion Academic Showcase pieces, and short essays on the issues of Social Movements . The 17th edi- To build on the wealth of knowledge and critical inquiry Open Society tion will also focus separately on Eastern Europe, and writings about any Scholarship Programs’ grantees create during their scholarship and topics related to this region are welcome as well. beyond, we invite all scholars to submit summaries or abstracts of their research to be published in the ScholarForum’s Academic Showcase section. cover topic: Social Movements Submissions should be short and relate to an area of research under- Social movements are alliances of like-minded individuals who hold taken as part of an MA or PhD degree, or to independent research con- the belief that their actions can encourage social change. These groups ducted in the field. Due to space constraints, Scholarship Programs will may be large or small and informal or cohesive collectives, but all hold only print a selected number of pieces, but will try to send comments the ability to influence the progress of a society. In recent years, social from the editorial board to each author. movements—from Occupy Wall Street in the USA to anti-Mubarak pro- Guidelines for Academic Showcase submissions: testers in Egypt—have gained attention for their ability to captivate the attention of audiences and constituencies around the world. Some social Abstracts: movements gained attention for their cause but failed in their ultimate Abstracts are concise texts encapsulating the whole body of research to goals, while others have led to lasting institutional change. We invite our be addressed in a longer paper or presentation to follow. Outline the topic grantees and alumni to illuminate aspects of these movements through of research, the main objective of the research or the research problem, the their research, experience, expertise, and opinions. Essays and photos are methodology employed, the main findings, and your conclusions. welcome and encouraged. Maximum length: 350 words Length: 750–1000 Words Research in Progress Essays: regional focus: Eastern Europe Authors need to be cognizant of the educated but general nature of Recent months have seen massive change for Ukraine: from increasing ScholarForum’s audience; therefore specialized terms and concepts should economic ties to Russia, to Russian troops ensconced in Crimea. As a new be concisely explained in simple language. Articles should include foot- phase in the country’s future begins, we look to our grantees to continue notes and references, and any ideas expressed by other authors should expressing their thoughts on Ukraine and the surrounding region. We be referred to in Harvard-style citations within text. invite your opinions, essays and research pieces on social, political, envi- Introduction: Include a brief statement on the thesis/rationale to ronmental, and educational issues facing Ukraine or any of its neighbors, be developed in the article, as well as a short summary of the findings such as Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and recommendations. Outline what the work is part of (i.e., PhD, MA, Bulgaria and Moldova. independent research). Length: 750–1000 Words Analysis and Discussion: Clearly and concisely explain any of the Personal Essays and Fictional Pieces theories, concepts, and terminology, citing concrete examples. Keep in mind that the audience will be outside of your discipline. We welcome any thoughts you have on your experiences during your Recommendations: Outline your recommendations or aspects for scholarship: your reflections, opinions, and photographs are welcome. further study or research. Works of original fiction that can be serialized can also be submitted for Conclusion: Concisely summarize the content of the work above. editorial consideration. Maximum length: 1500 words Length: 300–750 Words Letters to the Editor Alumni Letters to the Editor regarding the content of ScholarForum are welcome Updates from Scholarship Programs’ alumni are key to evaluating and will be printed at the editor’s discretion. our work and provide inspiring material for future leaders in your Maximum length: 300 words countries and beyond. Please feel free to send us a brief note on your current professional activities, research interests, or any calls for col- Please feel free to enquire with the editors if you have any questions, or laboration at an upcoming event or conference. submit your work to [email protected].

Deadline for all Submissions: June 30, 2014

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